The Cyprus Problem

Turkey invaded Cyprus In 1974 and illegally occupies a third of the island to this day.

On 15 July 1974 the military junta of Greece (installed by the CIA) carried out a coup lasting fewer than 5 days. Their aim was to overthrow elected government of Cyprus whose leader was Archbishop Makarios.

On 20 July 1974, Turkey, using the coup as the excuse , launched a full military invasion, supposedly to restore constitutional order.

On the 14th of August 1974 even though the coup had been thwarted , the democratically elected government was back in power and a ceasefire had been agreed, Turkey instigated a second military advance.

In this advance – launched after a ceasfire had been agreed – Turkey seized over a third of the Island, in fact close to 40%. Turkey still continues its illegal military occupation to this day.

And what of today? :

Nearly 40 percent of Cyprus is still under an illegal Turkish Military occupation

200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees are prevented from returning to their homes.

43,000 Turkish (not Turkish Cypriot) soldiers equipped by the USA/NATO and defended by Turkish Planes and Warships are stationed on the island.

Although population figures are disputed illegal settlers/colonists from Turkey are now in the majority in the north – a way of altering the islands demography – facts on the ground.

Greek Cypriots have rebuilt and tend the houses and Mosques of displaced Turkish Cypriots but the north has had its Churches desecrated and the ancient culture is still being destroyed.

Over 1500 Greek Cypriots are still missing.

The northern part of the island is the most highly militarized area in the world in terms of the ratio between numbers of troops and civilian population.